The Bombers head into the CFL finals as 7-point underdogs to the surging Lions, with the football betting Total sitting at 50.5 in the traditionally high scoring league.

Winnipeg started the campaign red hot, winning 7 of its first 8 games, while the Leos dropped its first five games while beginning 1-6. But since then, it’s been a reversal of fortunes as the Bombers backed into first place in the CFL’s Eastern Division with a 10-8 record. BC has been torrid, winning 10 or its last 11 games to win the west with an 11-7 mark before entering the Western Final last Sunday.

Last weekend, the Blue Bombers used a strong, blitzing defence to crush the visiting Hamilton Tiger Cats’ offence in winning the Eastern Division Final 19-3. In the Western Final, the favored Lions trounced the visiting Edmonton Eskimos 40-23 behind an overwhelming defensive display and strong offensive effort, spearheaded by All-Canadian quarterback Travis Lulay.

Both teams head into this Grey Cup final boasting very strong defences, the Bombers finishing in the top two of most defensive categories. The Lions D allowed the fewest points, and was second to the Bombers in most every other category. The biggest difference is on the other side of the ball. BC has the top quarterback in the country with Lulay, while the Bombers have Buck Pierce as its pivot. Pierce is a former Lion, who was let go because of injury issues before the start of the 2009 season. BC also has two of the best all-time receivers in Geroy Simon and Arland Bruce, while the top offensive line in the league, surrendering a league-low 29 sacks, helped anchor the offence.

Winnipeg won both meetings this year. However, the wins were both accomplished during the first seven weeks of the season, a time when the Lions were struggling and the Bombers were excelling. Things seem to be much different now, mostly with the Lions, hence the favored position.

But in the past six weeks, the team has done a complete 180 degree turn, having won all six games and have rocketed up to be now the top-rated team in the Canadian Football League. Led by second-year starting quarterback Travis Lulay, the Lions are not only winning, but winning huge. The Leos have outscored their opposition by an average of almost 13 points per game. And in the past four games, the offensive line has been dominant, as the team is rushing for almost 140 yards a contest, while giving up only one sack during that same four game spread.

The defence has been the real story though. In the six game winning streak, the Lions have allowed only three offensive touchdowns, and given up only 16 points per game, as they now lead the league in many defensive categories. And this after being at the bottom of the league in these same categories just a month and a half ago.

And kicker Paul McCallum has been perfect in kicking field goals, nailing his last 27 in a row to sit just one short of the CFL record set back in 1994 by Dave Ridgeway.

All things are pointing to the Lions playing at their newly renovated $550 million dollar open-roof stadium come November, when Vancouver hosts the 99th Grey Cup. The last time a CFL host team won the Grey Cup was in 1994. The winning team? The BC Lions.

Oddsmakers with most of the online sportsbook sites had both the Lions and Argos as favorites. Even though the Lions were 1-6 going against a 5-2 Eskimos squad, the Esks were missing all four of their starting receivers, had to start two new offensive tackles, and had a rookie cornerback on the defensive side of the ball. As expected, the Lions feasted on all the confusion on offense for the Eskimos, sacking the QBs eight times, intercepting the ball four more times, and holding back Edmonton from gaining access to the Red Zone until late in the third quarter.

In Toronto, the Argos jumped all over another 1-6 team, as they led 21-1 late in the 3rd quarter of play, before withstanding a late surge by the Roughriders. With the loss, the Riders’ management had seen enough and fired both Head Coach Greg Marshall, and his offensive coordinator Doug Berry, and reinstated team president Ken Miller, who had been the teams’ head coach the past three years and had led them to back to back Grey Cup berths.

Handicappers will have a field day trying to pick winners in both teams next games, which won’t be for another two weeks with the bye week coming this weekend.

First off has to be the play of the Edmonton Eskimos, who were absolutely putrid last year, finishing dead last in the league. so much so that they cleaned house and jettisoned their GM and coaching staff. New head coach Kavis Reed has brough a hightened sense of calm and execution. So much so that the Eskimos are the league’s lone undefeated team after their big win over provincial rivals Calgary last weekend.

The Montreal Aloutettes, the two-time defending champs, suffered their first defeat of the season at home to the then winless Saskatchewan Roughriders. But even more important, they lost starting quarterback Anthony Calvillo to injury. The extent of the injury has still not been fully disclosed, though it’s believed to be an eye injury.

The Calgary Stampeders have struggled slightly, dropping their first and fourth games. But they will be in the hunt when the snow begins to fly. Hamilton have come on with win in their last two games, including one over the moribund BC Lions, who have gone winless this season in four games and don’t look like they will be playing in the 2011 Grey Cup, even though their city is hosting it. Winnipeg Blue Bombers have played well, while the Toronto Argonauts have struggled as well and look to challenge the BC Lions as the worst team in the league to date.

Odds to Win the 2011 Grey Cup in Vancouver, BC.

Montreal Alouettes – 7/4
Edmonton Eskimos – 7/2
Calgary Stampeders – 4/1
Hamilton Tiger-Cats – 15/2
Winnipeg Blue Bombers – 8/1
BC Lions – 9/1
Saskatchewan Roughriders – 10/1
Toronto Argonauts – 20/1

Taking precautions with marquee guys and injured players they don’t want to get injured before the start of the season, coaches are sitting them out.

Head coach Kavis Reed said of the non-import receiver, who is nursing a groin injury, “The guys that are a little nicked up, like Chris Bauman, won’t play, any guy that has any kind of injury that we feel could benefit from the time off.”

“Some will travel but will not play. Fred Stamps won’t play, and others that we decide after meeting.”

The Eskimos are using Game 1 of the preseason to audition for starting positions and roster spots instead of bringing out their top guys.

Reed went on to say “Besides Ricky Ray, everyone’s auditioning for a job. Beyond that, we’re looking for those guys to fly around and execute a very simplified game plan.”

Toronto is at +850 to win the Grey Cup in CFL Futures betting Odds.

Cheatham, who played just one game last season with the Calgary Stampeders, has played NCAA Football with the Kansas State Wildcats and Independence Junior College. A starter as a senior, he dressed in 34 career games for the Wildcats in three seasons after arriving at Kansas State from Independence where he was named First-Team All-Conference and team M.V.P.

Walls caught for more than 1,000 career yards as a member of the North Carolina A&T Aggies, and was named All-Conference and invited to play in the college all-star game in California as a senior.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Eskimos are hoping Brandon James will be a difference-maker in the CFL.

The Eskimos signed James, a former NCAA star, as a kick returner. James, who played three games with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts last season, set records during his collegiate career with the Florida Gators. At Florida, James helped the Gators win a national title in 2007 and was twice named an All-SEC player.

“In a highly competitive league like ours, special teams are often the difference in winning closing games,” said Eskimos GM Eric Tillman.

Edmonton is at +650 to win the Grey Cup in CFL Futures.

One of those was linebacker Henoc Muamba, who showed why he is considered the most highly rated player at his position.

Every team in the CFL, including the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, interviewed Muamba. The Bombers, who have the No. 1 pick in this year’s CFL draft, interviewed Muamba twice.

“I knew I was athletic enough. I came out here and wanted to show them I could be physical,” said Muamba. “I’m pretty satisfied overall.”

Muamba, a St. Francis Xavier grad, showed he has the versatility to drop back in pass coverage, while also being physical enough to rush the passer.

“One of my nicknames in university is A.O. cause I am able to play all over,” said Muamba. “I like covering running backs, but I also love the physicality of the game and like being in the box.”

Another linebacker who impressed in drills was Jeff Hecht, who lined up across from the highest rated receiving prospect, Anthony Parker, and did not look out of place.

The Blue Bombers are at +1300 to win the 2011 Grey Cup in CFL Futures odds.

Now, the Lions may loss the 33-year-old CFL quarterback after he decided to listen to offers from other Canadian Football League teams.

Although Jackson was not going to be the Lions starting QB in the 2011 CFL season, his loss could affect the Lions Grey Cup chances, and those of other CFL teams.

B.C. is at +700 to win the 2011 Grey Cup in CFL Odds.
Jackson, who has won 65 per cent of his games as a starter, has offers from two other teams and is waiting for a possible third proposal.

Jackson has also signed on with agent Dan Vertlieb of Vancouver to handle negotiations.

Other teams who are apparently fighting Lions coach/GM Wally Buono are the Toronto Argonauts and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Toronto is at +650 and Winnipeg is at +1300 in CFL Futures betting to win the Grey Cup.

Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback Andy Fantuz has inked a deal with the Chicago Bears of the NFL, according to CFL news.

“It’s really exciting for me,” Fantuz said at the Bears’ practice facility. “It’s a whole new avenue for my career. I’m excited to make that step and get the opportunity to try out for the Bears.

“I’m particularly excited about this organization because of all the people I’ve met and all the history behind it and the fan base. It’s something I’m really looking forward to.”
If Fantus sticks with the Bears, it could have an impact on the betting odds for the Roughriders to win the Grey Cup next season.

This isn’t the first time Fantuz, 27, has looked at NFL options. Last season, he explored possibilities south of the border before signing a new deal with the Roughriders.
This year, however, he was entering his option year and had until Feb. 16 to sign with an NFL club.

The six-foot-four, 220-pound Fantuz enjoyed a standout 2010 season with Saskatchewan. The native of Chatham, Ont., was the CFL’s leading receiver with 87 catches for 1,380 yards and six touchdowns.

He helped Saskatchewan make it to last year’s Grey Cup game in Edmonton, where the Roughriders were beaten 21-18 by the Montreal Alouettes.

The 38-year-old slotback won three Grey Cup championships with the Alouettes.

“I’ve been on a magical ride with highs and lows that I never could have imagined,” said Cahoon. “I just wanted to say thank you, it’s been amazing, and I’m looking forward to the next stage of my life whatever that is.”

The sudden announcement will no doubt affect CFL Betting Odds for the Alouettes next season.

Cahoon was drafted by Montreal in 1997, the same year veteran center Brian Chiu, who also retired after last season, began playing as a starter.

Cahoon’s contribution to the Alouettes was noted by Montreal GM Jim Popp.

“There’s not question that Ben will be an icon of the CFL for its history,” said Popp. “He is by far one of the toughest football players we have seen pound for pound. He’s got a tremendous future and we thank him very much.”

During his career Cahoon caught 1,017 passes for 13,301 yards and scored 65 touchdowns, and holds the Grey Cup receiver record with 666 yards and 47 receptions.

Cahoon hopes to get a coaching position with the BYU Cougars, where he went to university.